Five of the worst: Transfer signings in 2012

Earlier this week, Spanish newspaper Marca published a list of the worst signings in La Liga over the past 12 months - the top two winners were Alex Song for Barcelona and Luka Modric for Real Madrid - two ex-Premier League stars.

Which got us thinking here at GMF, dangerous I know. Now that 2012 is in the books, it's as good a time as any to pause, and reflect on the year. We've had goal of the year reviews, and best YouTube videos, so how about a recap of the worst signings in the Premier League over the past year?

Whether they were signed in the January transfer window this time last year, or over the summer, which players have flopped, failed to live up to their billing, or been just damn-right terrible.

A few names immediately spring to mind. Andy Carroll would have been on the 2011 list, and thanks to his leaden-footed performances at Liverpool, he earned a shot at the back-to-back repeat when he moved to West Ham on loan this summer.

That brings up a good point actually. The players on this list weren't necessarily the most expensive - Carroll hasn't even moved permanently - but each deserve their place for some reason or another.

Terrible performance, a shocking goal return, poor value for money, or maybe even a complete failure to make an impression at all.

Whatever the reason, here is your list of the worst signings of the Premier League year 2012. Agree or disagree? Leave your choice in the comment box below...

Scott Sinclair - Manchester City

Manchester City spent around £7m on Scott Sinclair. Six Premier League appearances later, most as a sub, and it seems clear that the former-Swansea star will not crack Roberto Mancini's squad.

Which is a shame, because he's a decent player, but a move to the Etihad Stadium was pushing it - he's not top four quality. With the likes of Samir Nasri, David Silva, and Yaya Toure ahead of him in the pecking order, don't expect to see him make an impact anytime soon. He may have been signed as a squad player, but he's barely even that at the moment.

Marko Marin - Chelsea

The Germany international was once billed as the 'German Messi', but so far his only lasting impression was his horror challenge on QPR defender Stephane Mbia last night.

Undoubtedly a talented player, it always seemed strange to see Chelsea buy him in the same transfer window they splashed out close to £70m on Eden Hazard, Oscar and Victor Moses - three players that occupy similar space to Marin. Of the quartet, his contribution has been by far the least.

Fabio Borini - Liverpool

Even before Borini's foot injury, there were mumblings of discontent on the Anfield terraces. The Italian was one of Brendan Rodgers's first Liverpool signings, and at £15m, a considerable gamble.

Yes, the 21-year-old is an Italy international. But £15m for a striker who has played less than 30 games in a top flight division, scoring nine goals - that sounds a little risky.

Injury hasn't helped, and neither has playing wide left as part of a front three. But it's fair to say that Borini has underwhelmed in a Red shirt so far this season. And when you cost £15m, that's just not acceptable.

Ji-Sung Park - Queens Park Rangers

A whole host of QPR's signings have flattered to deceive, and Park could just as easily have been Esteban Granero (big reputation, little impact), Stephane Mbia, Djbril Cisse or Junior Hoilett. Park can actually count himself a little unlucky to be singled out, as each share a portion of the blame, and each partly explain why Redknapp's team remain bottom of the table.

The former-Manchester United workaholic was promptly made captain upon his arrival at Loftus Road. Many pundits nodded knowingly, a shrewd purchase for a club expected to battle in the bottom half.

In reality, Park has barely made an impact on a team struggling mightily in the Premier League. Even before his injury, ex-QPR boss Mark Hughes, the man who appointed him as skipper, rarely picked him from the start, and when he did, the Korean international did little of note.

For QPR fans, one of their most promising buys, has turned out to be one of their most disappointing.

Andy Carroll - West Ham

Carroll's move to West Ham made sense. It was supposed to work. West Ham looked a great fit, Carroll looked the ideal striker to lead Sam Allardyce's route-one attack. But theory has failed to translate into practice.

Carroll's had more injuries (two) than goals (one). Carlton Cole has looked more effective leading the line. Not good news for a man West Ham has have invested a considerable amount in, at least in terms of wages.

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